5 Tips for Creating a Travel Activity Kit for Your Child: Keep Them Happy on the Go

Traveling with children can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with unique challenges. We know how important it is to keep little ones entertained during long journeys. Creating a well-planned travel activity kit can be a game-changer for parents looking to make family trips more enjoyable and stress-free.

Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying across the country, or taking a train ride to visit relatives, having a variety of engaging activities at your fingertips can make all the difference. A thoughtfully prepared travel kit not only keeps children occupied but also helps develop their creativity and problem-solving skills while on the go. Let's explore some helpful tips for putting together the perfect travel activity kit for your child.

1) Coloring books and crayons

Coloring books and crayons are essential components of any travel activity kit for children. We love how these simple items can keep kids entertained for hours during long journeys.

When selecting coloring books, we recommend choosing ones with a variety of themes to match your child's interests. Animals, vehicles, or favorite cartoon characters are always popular choices.

Opt for travel-sized coloring books that fit easily in a backpack or carry-on luggage. This ensures they don't take up too much space while still providing plenty of pages to color.

As for crayons, we suggest packing a small box or travel pack. These are more compact than full-sized boxes and less likely to break during transit.

Consider getting washable crayons to avoid any permanent marks on clothes or seats. It's also a good idea to pack a few extra crayons in case some get lost along the way.

2) Sticker books with their favorite characters

Sticker books are a fantastic addition to any travel activity kit for kids. We love how they combine creativity with familiar characters children adore. These books keep little hands busy and imaginations active during long journeys.

Choosing sticker books featuring your child's beloved TV, movie, or book characters adds an extra layer of excitement. It's like bringing their friends along for the ride! The familiarity can also provide comfort in unfamiliar travel situations.

Many sticker books offer reusable stickers, allowing for endless play possibilities. This feature is perfect for extended trips or multiple children sharing the same book. Plus, it's a great way to minimize waste and get more value from a single item.

We've found that sticker books with scenes to decorate are particularly engaging. They encourage storytelling and help develop fine motor skills as kids carefully place each sticker. It's a quiet activity that won't disturb fellow travelers, making it ideal for planes or trains.

Remember to pack a variety of sticker books to maintain interest throughout the trip. Mix it up with different characters and themes to keep the novelty factor high.

3) Portable puzzle games

Portable puzzle games are a fantastic addition to any travel activity kit for children. We love how these compact brain-teasers can keep little ones engaged for hours on end.

Magnetic puzzle boards are an excellent choice for trips. They're lightweight, and the pieces stay in place during bumpy rides. Plus, they come in various difficulty levels to suit different ages.

Tangram sets are another great option. These ancient Chinese puzzles consist of seven geometric shapes that can be arranged to form countless figures. They're perfect for fostering creativity and spatial reasoning skills.

For older kids, we recommend travel-sized Rubik's Cubes or other twisty puzzles. They're challenging, fun, and take up minimal space in a bag.

Don't forget about wooden puzzles with interlocking pieces. They're durable and offer a satisfying tactile experience. Many come in small boxes or pouches, making them ideal for travel.

Lastly, consider puzzle books filled with sudoku, crosswords, or word searches. They're lightweight, require only a pencil, and can provide hours of entertainment.

4) Travel-themed storybooks

Travel-themed storybooks are a fantastic addition to any child's activity kit. We've found that these books can transport kids to far-off places and spark their imagination during long journeys.

Look for stories that feature different destinations, cultures, or modes of transportation. Picture books with vibrant illustrations can captivate younger children, while chapter books might suit older ones.

Consider packing a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Stories about adventurous characters exploring new places can be exciting, while educational books about geography or world cultures can be informative.

Some popular travel-themed books include "Madeline in London," "This Is How We Do It," and "The Airport Book." These titles offer a blend of entertainment and learning.

We recommend choosing lightweight paperbacks or investing in e-books to save space in your child's travel kit. This way, you can pack multiple stories without adding too much weight.

Remember to involve your child in the book selection process. Letting them pick stories they're interested in will increase their engagement during the trip.

5) Magnetic drawing board

A magnetic drawing board is an excellent addition to any child's travel activity kit. We love how it provides endless creative opportunities without the mess of crayons or markers. Kids can draw, write, and play games on these reusable surfaces.

The magnetic stylus attached to the board means no lost pieces during travel. It's perfect for long car rides, flights, or waiting at restaurants. Children can express themselves artistically while developing fine motor skills.

Many magnetic drawing boards come with built-in shapes or stencils, adding variety to playtime. Some even feature color zones, allowing kids to create more vibrant pictures. The easy-erase function encourages experimentation and repeated use.

We appreciate how compact and lightweight these boards are, fitting easily into carry-ons or backpacks. They're also durable, withstanding the rigors of travel. For younger children, look for boards with larger writing surfaces and chunky styluses.

Magnetic drawing boards offer quiet entertainment, ideal for shared spaces. They're great for playing classic games like tic-tac-toe or hangman with travel companions.